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The Best Atmospheric/Symphonic Metal Album
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| Composer, keyboardist, and guitarist Tuomas Seppälä is back at it again just one year after the band's debut, drowning us in a wall of melodies. The vocals and lyrics of Heidi Parviainen enchant and mesmerize us as she tells stories ranging from the Kalevala to the Egyptian goddess Sekhmet, with more variation than the debut as well. Top this off with an endless supply of trade-off guitar solos and Amberian Dawn are the answer for anyone looking for symphonic metal with power and wintry beauty. |
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| What once started out as a studio project with Charlotte Wessels and Martijn Westerholt has now morphed into a powerful and mature band now on their second full length. "April Rain" is not just the album's name but the huge single that has helped Delain make its way to the forefront of the symphonic metal scene, showing off all their best attributes including Wessels's softly soaring vocals, Westerholt's inspiring synth melodies and an expansive production. With guests such as Marco Hietala (vocals) returning, cellist Maria Ahn, and a smart mix of ballads and heavier tracks, Delain have given us an impressive album that's impossible to ignore. |
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Few can produce such an excellent release first time out, but just one look at the silently haunting artwork of Elysion's debut is just one hint that Silent Scream is one of those special albums. Songwriter, programmer, and guitarist Johnny Zero fills the album with catchy solos, riffs, and atmospheric touches all with a solid track list throughout. Layer this with a perfect production and the powerfully somber vocals of Christianna, and Elysion takes us deep into the night, with a soundtrack ideal for those pensive yet passionate moments beside a moonlit sea.
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The epic band is back and ready to blow everything away with their new album which has opened doors to other fields and new worlds. Complex technique and brilliant orchestration characterise this meticulously executed work. The colourful orchestra, the choirs and the soloists with the unforgettable Simone Simmons have already left a mark on the year 2009 for sure.
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| 2009 saw Leaves' Eyes returning with their first full length since 2005! The beauty of their music hasn't changed though. Liv Kristine sounds delicate and fragile in her usual beautiful way. Alexander Krull's growls have improved and are a great counterweight to all the beauty. The music still have that signature sounds that instantly tells you that this is Leaves' Eyes; epic orchestrations and solid guitar work when needed. Fans of the band will not be disappointed nor will a newcomer. |
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| With their fourth album the charismatic Swiss melodic metal outfit has done it again; symphonic arrangements, catchy choruses, beautiful singing and a whole lot of magic. With their fresh, charming approach Lunatica can safely be considered one of the top bands of the style. |
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A band operating fully on their own terms, Madder Mortem yet again push the limits of atmospheric metal, drenching it in progressive and jazzy touches amongst countless other influences and creative flair. Playful yet deeply serious, Eight Ways is never content with itself, offering swirling arrangements, lyrics that confound and inspire, and Agnete Kirkevaag's raw and refined vocals. BP Kirkevaag and Odd Ebbesen's guitars never disappoint, and together with Mads Solås's light and airy percussion, Madder Mortem's latest is on that very short list of bands that are at the forefront of originality in metal.
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Tristania's sister ensemble Sirenia is back with a stunning female vocalist who can leave no man indifferent. This album is a new and fine effort by a strong and experienced group of symphonic gothic music. Whoever appreciates the power and thrill of the songs written by Morten Veland will surely love this album, not to mention the new charming singer of the band.
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| After their main songwriter Arjen Lucassen left, the future of Stream Of Passion seemed uncertain. Luckily for us they decided to keep going and deliver a wonderful piece of music in the form of The Flame Within, proving they don't need Lucassen in the long run. The Flame Within draws its influences from well-established bands such as Within Temptation and Evanescence, but has enough of an own face to stay interesting. Great job lads! |
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With their debut album this French band has delivered a great symphonic metal album right off the bat. Offering us a wide selection of fantastic orchestration paired with soaring female vocals, creative drumming, some heavy guitar riffs and a slight progressive touch in the songwriting department, From The Brink Of Infinity packs almost everything fans of female-fronted metal could ask for. Such a strong debut can only leave us wondering what the band's future might look like.
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